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The board of directors of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc have announced that Robert Bucklin has been nominated as a candidate for election to the board of directors, at the company’s upcoming annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for 30 April.

If elected, Bucklin will replace Dr Elias Hebeka, who will retire from the company’s board of directors at the end of his current term as director which expires on 30 April.

Hebeka assumed his responsibilities on Fresh Del Montes’ board in November 2007 and has served on the audit and governance committees.

Bucklin brings over 35 years of extensive experience within the investment banking services industry to Fresh Del Monte, most recently serving as vice-chairman of Rabobank International’s North America Wholesale banking, where he was primarily responsible for US and Canadian wholesale clients, corporate banking, mergers and acquisitions, and food & agribusiness research and advisory.

“Mr Bucklin’s years of executive banking leadership with Rabobank and industry knowledge enable him to provide valuable insight to our company and we look forward to welcoming him to our board of directors,' said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO. “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Dr Hebeka for his exemplary service to the organization. The company and our shareholders have benefited greatly from his valuable insight and dedication,' Abu-Ghazaleh added.